Almost no progress made on regional household income divide in the past 30 years

9th July 2026 Arrears and Recoveries | #cost of living

New Resolution Foundation analysis has found that income gaps between different regions across Britain have remained resolutely high over the past thirty years, including during the pandemic upheaval and ‘levelling-up’ agenda, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing PM-in-waiting Andy Burnham as he seeks to tackle geographic inequality. The research shows that before-housing-cost income gaps…

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New BNPL rules could make shoppers pause before they pay

9th July 2026 Buy Now Pay Later | #Buy now pay later

The era of near-invisible checkout credit is set for a major reset, as previously unregulated Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) products come under the Financial Conduct Authority’s oversight. The new rules will apply to Deferred Payment Credit agreements, meaning lenders will need to carry out affordability checks, provide clearer information on repayment terms and fees,…

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One in five SMEs fear closure over tax bills

9th July 2026 Commercial Collections and Recoveries | #tax bills

More than one in five (22%) SMEs fear they could be forced out of business over problems paying tax bills in the next five years, according to new research from Premium Credit. The study of SME owners and managers found nearly two out of five (39%) say they have missed up to four tax bill…

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